Prince Philip is UK`s longest-serving consort

London, April 18: Prince Philip became Britain`s longest-serving consort on Saturday, clocking up 57 years and 71 days in the role. Queen Elizabeth II`s husband overtook the record set by queen Charlotte, who married king George III in 1761 and died just over a year before him in 1818.

Philip, who at 87 is already the oldest serving partner of a reigning monarch, began his duties as consort on February 6, 1952, when George VI died and his eldest daughter became queen. But the milestone is unlikely to be marked by the former naval officer, who is not a man known for liking a fuss. The Duke of Edinburgh is spending the weekend at Windsor Castle, west of London, and has no planned official engagements. Prince Philip does not hold the title prince consort, which queen Victoria gave to her husband prince Albert. Some reports say he was frustrated at being restricted by the royal courtiers and not allowed to have Albert`s wide-ranging influence on public life but he has nonetheless carved out a niche role for himself at Queen Elizabeth`s side. Bureau Report